Are you...

EllanVannin you really don't think that "schizo" comment is acceptable do you?

What a very silly term she used. She's single and apparently enjoying her life, so why couldn't she just say that? I'm happily married (or perhaps some would say "matrimonially connected")

Merlotgran, I think it was the comedian Joe Longthorne.

I like that term SalsaQueen

What could those of us widowed ( I hate that word) be called?
Matrimonially disconnected sounds more like divorce so ,matrimonially bereft? No that is not right except that is how it feels. She

She? That popped in unbidden.

DD decided that a single life was for her in her late teens, or possibly earlier. She decided against having children before she was five.

She is now in her mid 40s and has never doubted that her choice was the right one. She has a good career, owns her home, has a large social circle and dotes on her niece and nephew.

As my mother used to say' Better happily single than unhappily married.' (and she was happily married)

It does sound daft, doesn't it? I suppose I could use the same term for myself as a widow - I don't consider myself single.
I expect as a millionaire she has to be careful or some young men would be after her for her money. Not a problem that need worry many of us.

When self partnering and going out eg for a meal or to cinema does one book one or two seats?

I think Emma Watson used the term tongue in cheek ( possibly knowing it would outrage some people?) but the point the article makes is that even today being married with children is the expectation- for men as well as women. This article is apposite:
www.theguardian.com/film/2019/nov/06/self-partnered-emma-watson-is-right-we-need-more-ways-to-be-single
I hate ticking the box “divorced” on forms, and usually put “single”, and sometimes “widowed” ( sorry ex) because “divorced” is such a limiting term, smacking of failure, whereas I see myself as someone who is successful. What do others think?

I’m not self partnering , just feels like it sometimes ( joke, I think ) ?

I am happily single. I am happy taking myself to lunch or dinner or visiting places. Happy with my own company....yes happy on my own. I am a free spirit definitely.

Janet Street Porter has stated what she thinks the phrase "self partnering" sounds like in today's Daily Mail!

I don't think it was tongue-in-cheek - I think many of today's luvvies use language incomprehensible to the rest of us.

Whatever happened to the Campaign for Plain English?

I dont know why it has caused such a fuss. On Twitter all the males that respond to it refer endlessly to masturbation ...groan. When I saw it I was pleased and thought - yes that's an interesting way to put it that I can relate to. I was happily married twice for many many years and when I was first living on my own I was very upset...and it took me a few years to get to the state when I realised on coming back home from a night out I was so relieved to be back in my own company. It's like I had fallen in love with my own company. So instead of only feeling 'norma'l and 'at home' when with my partner - I now feel only at home and happy on my own. Its a great feeling.
It's an emotional thing and I think she explained itwell. Words like spinster, single etc carry a lot of negative 'lonely baggage and don't explain the fullness that can be found living with yourself. (And non-humans are great companions) quite frankly its bliss.
And any gransnetters out there fearing living alone. Don't. - you can be your own admiring perfect partner.

grannybaby that’s how I read it too, and I share your sentiments. I think a lot of people on here just react to a phrase without actually reading the article and considering their response. I too love coming home and feel really happy living alone. Importantly, it’s my choice.

I must have a dirty mind. Self partnering ? Really!

grantanje did you read the article?

I think a lot of people on here just react to a phrase without actually reading the article and considering their response.

I found it, read it and also read Bel Mooney's take on it.
Spot on, Bel!

Whatever next is the world coming to. I despair!

I thought a vibrator must be involved.

Still think so.

Having a daughter who has chosen to stay single, I think the suggestions being made here are unpleasant. Not the action but that people should think that self-pleasure is something 'dirty minded' or something to snigger about.

It is a totally normal procedure indulged in by most people. People who think it sniggerable belong in the bin with those who think being gay is something to snigger about.

Who is sniggering?

I was stating a fact.

Oh yes. Definitely luvvie speak, Callistemon.

Pretentious prat’s, that’s what I call them.
And most of them live in LA, la la land.

I actually think pompous, up their own arses, posters belong in the bin.